From the Provincial Directorate of Roads they reported that the Pino Hachado international pass had to close due to the accumulation of snow on the road, the presence of ice and white wind that complicates visibility. For this reason, since Monday the presence of a large number of trucks waiting in the town of Las Lajas to be able to cross into Chile was noticed.
According to the National Gendarmerie, as of this Monday there were already more than 70 trucks stranded in that town in the center of Neuquén. “The vehicles are detained in Las Lajas due to the impassability of the roads due to the intense snowfall while waiting for climatic improvements,” they indicated.
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Trucks stranded in Las Lajas wait to cross into Chile. Photo: National Gendarmerie.
Passes closed and families stranded by snow
In turn, from the Lanín National Park (PNL) they reported that provincial route 48 and the Huam Hum International Pass They will be closed to traffic until further notice, since those responsible for the park are working to clear the snow and fallen trees that complicate passage in that sector.
“This measure is taken due to the strong snow storm that is hitting the southern part of the protected area, producing a large number of fallen trees that obstruct the road, the same situation is replicated on the Chilean side,” they indicated.
They added that, at this time, three park rangers from the southern zone are working to clear the road and assisting stranded families and recalled that the affected routes will remain closed until further notice.
They pointed out that they had to assist residents and tourists who were stranded due to the intense snowfall that accumulated more than 40 centimeters in the area.
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Tourists and residents sheltered by the snow storm. Photo: Lanín National Park.
“So that the tourists could spend the night, they were distributed in different places: 15 at the Hua Hum Border Crossing, 6 in Van Dorssen Park Ranger Sectional accommodation, 19 at the Nonthue camp site (8 of them Chilean nationals and 11 Argentineans)” , they clarified.
He Cardinal Samoré step It also suspended its traffic for all types of vehicles, at least until 1 p.m., when it will issue another report. According to reports, on National Route 231, in the section of the Customs border with Chile, there is “accumulated snow and the forecast of light snow at high altitudes continues, with equipment operating.”
The steps Icalma and Pino Hachado They remain closed from early in the morning. At 11 there will be the next traffic status report.
Recommendations for traveling the routes
Sebastian Torcivia, director of Civil Protection of San Martín de los Andes, pointed out to Sanmartinense Reality who are working to contain the effects of the storm. He added that although this Monday there was no significant accumulation of snow in the center, it was recorded in the surrounding areas.
“It is recommended not to take Route 40 in the sector of the 7 lakes. Although it is being cleaned continuously, it is not enough, since it continues to snow and there is a lot of snow,” he said and advised taking route 237, through Collón Cura, which is the safest option, although it requires traveling more kilometers.
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In turn, the Junín de Los Andes Internal Security Directorate implemented security controls, preventive patrols and assistance to drivers in the southern area of Route 40. In these operations, they had to assist at least two drivers who had problems driving on the accumulation of snow.
Although the status of the routes is dynamic and usually changes in each report issued by the Provincial Highway Directorate, it is always advisable to verify the weather conditions and the state of the roads with the Highway Police posts. Furthermore, it is advisable to avoid all unnecessary trips and carry snow chains.
